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October Issue

Give me back my Ipod.

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Dear Editor,

Beginning in school year 2007, all personal listening devices were banned from Leo Hayes High School during class time. The ban is still in effect. If they are seen at all during class, they are confiscated for a day. If they are caught again, it gets taken for a week. The period of time grows longer and longer with each offence. To top it all of, parents have no say in the issue.

Do not get me wrong. I understand why they can cause an inconvenience during class. If students are listening to them while the teacher is talking, there should obviously be consequences, but if they are doing independent work, it should be alright. I know a number of times when I've wanted to do a presentation for the class that would involve music. I would have to suck it up and burn it onto a CD, because if I got caught with my iPod, it would be taken. Some teachers would allow me to bring my iPod, but I would have to keep it on a low profile to avoid getting myself and the teacher in trouble with administration.

I know a number of my friends, including myself, that find we can work better and concentrate more if we listen to music we enjoy. Being able to listen to them during class can also benefit the teachers. If the students are busy listening to music, then they will be less likely to talk and more likely to be productive and get their work done. I feel that as long as the music is kept at a reasonable level, there should not be an issue with it. As long as teachers and administrators can get the students' attention when they need to, personal listening devices devices ought not to be banned.

I thank you for the time you took to read my letter.
Sincerely,
Sarah Hull